Pictured Above: James Reder, with his sons, Jacob, and Justin It is an honor to introduce James “Jim” Reder, who is a Maintenance Mechanic Level 3 within The Vantage Plastics Family of Companies. As you will see, Jim maintains a very active and productive life. Jim has been with Vantage Plastics for about five and a half years and fulfills an extremely important function. Jim specializes in motor controls, drives, and PLC program controls. These are vital elements within thermoforming machines and critical to keeping them operating well. Jim graduated from Pinconning High School and then atte ..read more

Plastic dunnage plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of products as they move through the supply chain. From protecting fragile items to ensuring stability during transportation, plastic dunnage is essential for preserving product quality being utilized by a growing number of industries today. What is Plastic Dunnage? Plastic dunnage refers to the packaging such as containers, crates, pallets and totes to secure and protect goods during transportation and storage. It prevents damage, breakage, or contamination of products, particularly fragile or sensitive items, by effectively cu ..read more

Pressure and vacuum forming are the two most common plastic thermoforming manufacturing techniques. They differ primarily in the application method to transform the heated plastic sheet. Understanding the nuances between the two can help you make informed decisions for your specific production needs. Pressure Forming Process The pressure forming process begins with a flat sheet of thermoplastic material being clamped in a frame and heated from above until it becomes flexible. The heated sheet is then transferred to the mold, and pressurized air forces the material to take the shape of the mold ..read more

Pictured Above: Paige Marie Berg, and her daughter Summer It is our pleasure to introduce Paige Marie Berg, who is a Process Automation Engineer at Vantage Plastics. Implementation of process automation is a significant focus within the company’s vision, so Paige’s role in fulfilling this objective is an important one. Paige grew up in an area of Saginaw, Michigan, in Carrollton Township, where her parents Carol and Jerry still reside. She has one brother named Nathan, who lives in Dallas, Texas. The apple of her eye is her daughter Summer Rose Pnacek who is two and a half years old. Paige re ..read more

Thermoplastic sheets have become an indispensable part of the manufacturing industry, offering many benefits and applications. Thermoplastic, a versatile and easily moldable material, is gaining popularity due to its exceptional durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. From its ability to withstand extreme temperatures to its recyclability, join us as we uncover the ins and outs of thermoplastic sheets and why they are revolutionizing the field of manufacturing. What is Thermoplastic? Thermoplastics are a class of polymer materials that can soften and become pliable when heated, allowi ..read more

Thermoformed plastic, a widely used material in various industries, has raised concerns regarding its recyclability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the desire for more sustainable practices and innovative solutions becomes increasingly urgent.  In addition to technological advancements and potential solutions emerging to address the current challenges in recycling these materials, consumers, manufacturers, and recycling facilities must work together to create a more sustainable and efficient recycling system for thermoformed plastic.  Is Thermoformed Plastic Recy ..read more

Wooden pallets have been a staple in the world of logistics and transportation for centuries, including the food industry. Many users of wood pallets need to rethink certain assumptions that they use. While these pallets may be thought to reduce cost due to a lower upfront price, a deeper financial analysis often proves this to be a myth. Wood pallets come with their fair share of disadvantages. Studies show that wood pallets often become damaged after just a few uses. They are just messy, often leaving broken pieces of wood debris around the facilities where they are used. When it comes to er ..read more

Pictured Above: Teryn Nott with her significant other, Garrett Sherman, and family It is our great honor to introduce Teryn Nott. If you were to meet Teryn, you would always find her to be very upbeat whenever seen working within our production facilities. Her enthusiasm for the work we do can be pretty contagious. Teryn grew up and has lived and worked in Arenac County her entire life. Teryn currently lives in Standish and has two daughters, Madyson, 20, and Lilyen, 12, and two sons Bryer 9, and Lyncoln age 8. As you notice, each name includes the letter “Y” which is a tradition that Teryn a ..read more

Pictured above: Jose Velez-Rivera with his wife, Katie, and family It is our pleasure to introduce Jose Velez-Rivera. Jose is an unassuming, hardworking, family-focused man through and through.  Jose is married to Katie, and they share a son Jayden who is eight years old. Other children prior to Jose and Katie’s union include a daughter, Jasmine age 15, a son Jose Jr. age 14, a daughter Jalynn, son Allen, son Enrique, and daughter Aalyah. Jose and Katie, who manages a McDonald’s, have been happily married for eight years. Jose and Katie live near Vantage Plastics in the Beaverton/Gladwin ..read more

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Vantage Plastics! Our company is expanding our operations into Bangor Township of Bay County, Michigan, with the addition of our Wilder Road Facility. With our expansion, we are transforming a 325,000-square-foot facility into a dynamic center of innovation, collaboration, and progress. With just six employees and three machines almost 30 years ago, Vantage Plastics is now investing $30.9 million into the community. The expansion is paving the way for 93 new job opportunities in addition to the 318 Michigan residents we currently employ ..read more